Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the hero and the villain for Gabon on Friday, scoring all four goals in a thrilling 4-3 victory over The Gambia in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, only to be sent off late in the match.
The dramatic win keeps Gabon’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive, but the star striker’s dismissal in the 85th minute means he will be suspended for their crucial final qualifier against Burundi.
Aubameyang received a second yellow card for a shove after an earlier booking for celebrating his fourth goal by breaking a corner flag.
The win sees the Panthers remain just one point behind Group F leaders Ivory Coast, who thrashed Seychelles 7-0.
With an inferior goal difference, Gabon must now win their final game and hope Ivory Coast (who play Kenya) slips up to secure the sole automatic qualifying spot.
Elsewhere, the race in Group B will also go down to the wire, with Senegal maintaining a two-point lead over DR Congo.
Senegal defeated South Sudan 5-0, while DR Congo beat Togo 1-0, setting up a dramatic final matchday for both nations as they chase automatic qualification.
